Los Angeles history

Ladies in Black visit tomb of Valentino

August 24, 2008 | 5:13
am

Los Angeles Times file photo

Here's the earliest photograph I could find of a Lady in Black mourning Rudolph Valentino, Aug. 23, 1937, 11 years after the movie star's death. In the first few years, memorial services were held on the anniversary, although the services eventually ceased and the large crowds dwindled to about 50 mourners.

In 1934, The Times referred to a "mysterious veiled woman" who visited the tomb every year at what was then Hollywood Cemetery. One story notes that a Lady in Black also appeared on Christmas and Easter. Someone wrote on the back of this photo: "Not Ditra Flame." Are those white shoes?!

Los Angeles Times file photo

Here's a Lady in Black at a revival showing of "The Sheik," at the Four Star Theater in Hollywood, June 3, 1938. She is also not Ditra Flame.

Photograph by the Los Angeles Times

This is what the well-dressed Lady in Black was wearing in 1940. Those are awesome sunglasses, ma'am. She too is not Ditra Flame.

On Aug. 23, 1976, the 50th anniversary of Valetino's death, a Lady in Black and her companion arrived in a black limousine. "She knelt in silent homage and appeared to weep," photographer William S. Murphy wrote.

Photograph by Douglas R. Burrows / Los Angeles Times

Estrellita de Rejil does a turn as a Lady in Black, Aug. 23, 1989.

Photograph by William S. Murphy / Los Angeles Times

This guy showed up in 1976 on the 50th anniversary of Valentino's death. He called himself "The Owl."

Los Angeles Times file photo

Yes, it's a little Rudolph Valentino sheik ghostie. Or is this a haint? Isn't he cute? Boo! I wish I could say we never actually published this picture, but we did, on May 1, 1952. It was in the Mirror, though, so maybe that's not quite so bad.